The Intricacies of a Watershed Plan – Modeling, Planning & Restoration

Abstract

In 2002, the Columbus City Council approved a moratorium that effectively prohibited development requiring the extension of City-owned sewer and water into the Franklin County portion of the Big Darby Creek watershed. Franklin County imposed a similar ban for unincorporated areas with the watershed. The action was in response to concerns that changing the face of the land within the watershed would cause a degradation that begins with excessive pollutant loading to stream channels and leads to a loss of aquatic habitat and other wildlife.The final product is a recommendation for the use of each acre of the planning area to minimize the pollutants impacting the main waterways. The recommendations protect highly sensitive areas and include designations of open space throughout the planning area. Varying densities of Collection Systems 2008 625 residential and non-residential development are located where they can best be served by the existing and planned infrastructure. Success is determined by the continued thriving of a vibrant aquatic ecosystem. The health of that ecosystem is the indicator for the health of the environment and the people who depend on it.